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Amp for Green Mountain Europa

... Building a new system around the Europa's; also Discovery Essence IC's, Sony TA E86B preamp( to be replaced in time), Tyler Reference subwoofer.

Someone I trust strongly suggests 125-150 watt Edge or Blue Circle for amp. Soundstage, imaging, detail, power reserve are important, plus other common attributes of a higher quality power source.

~$2000 budget, new or used. What other amps should be on my short list to take advantage of the full potential of the speaker? I would also appreciate comments from those with experience with the Europa's and the two amp families mentioned.

I live where there is little or no access to audition finer gear so my decision will be made based on literature and on info gained from this sort of feedback. Thanks.
wrayray

Showing 2 responses by ladderlake

ladderlake's avatar
ladderlake
21 posts
 
I might add that the Avatar sounds great in Triode mode with the Europas, literature says 27watts (whatever that really means).

Here is a good article on what makes a speaker tube friendly.
http://www.symphonysound.com/articles/tubefriendly.html

I believe the Europas with their nearly flat impedance chart would qualify as quite 'tube-friendly', even though most of it is at 4ohms. This has been my experience.

The europa sounds like the off-spring between a cone and a planar speaker.

Cheers
ladderlake's avatar
ladderlake
21 posts
 
I've tried two amps on the Europas, a VAC avatar and a Classe DR-9. Both work great...they are kinda a ying and yang of pedigree amp, the Classe giving a stronger (particularly bass), warmer (yes it's 'warmer' than the tubes) seemingly 'faster' presentation while the VAC has a smoother, more liquid, ambience.

Must first impression on hearing the speaker was "smooth" and the second was "clean". Great integration and transparency lets one really hear what behind the speakers.

Kudos to Roy at Green Mtn! Also to David Reich and Kevin Hayes for beautiful sound.

Peace be with you...
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